New report highlights growth of shadow Wills

In 2025, the Wills Report has identified that, overall, more people are interested in making a Will. However, Will writing solicitors have also noticed other information in the paper that is more of a concern, such as a rise in shadow Wills.

These types of Wills are those which cannot be located once the testator has died, leaving loved ones often confused.

Shadow Wills do exist and have been written but usually, the testator has not informed friends or family members where this important document is located. It has been estimated that almost 30% of Will makers have not told anyone where this vital legal paperwork has been stored. Another worrying statistic is that over 50% of adults have no idea where their parent’s Will is kept. This has been acknowledged as a ticking time bomb and could result in future Will disputes.

Many individuals believe they can check the National Wills Register in the event of having to deal with a shadow Will. Unfortunately though, Wills solicitors in North Wales stress that not every Will written in the United Kingdom is stored on this database. These legal experts have also reminded their clients of the importance of making a Will in a correct and timely manner, to avoid the increasing trend of Will disputes and intestacy cases.

Have a chat with us here today at Bennett Smith Solicitors. We can offer advice and guidance on making a Will and how to appropriately store it.